Valencia has been voted the healthiest city in the world for the second time by money.co.uk. Daniel Hazelhoff reports…
What can’t Valencia pull off? In the past two years Valencia has received an outstanding number of accolades. Valencia stands as The World Design Capital, 2022’s host of the Goya Awards, and the European Capital of Smart Tourism. It’s now also the second time winner of the healthiest city in the world.
According to money.co.uk, Valencia rates number one in the world for health. Life expectancy is 83.5 years, not surprising considering the legendary Mediterranean diet, and weather.
Valencia is known as the city of running. It has over 20 kilometres of beaches, 120 kilometres of bike paths, and 300 days of sun. So it’s no wonder we’re ranking so high in the health charts. All that vitamin D does wonders for the citizens of Valencia, whether you’re at the beach, jogging in the river, or hiking in Serra. Valencia hosts a range of physical activities for residents and tourists alike.
Valencia’s location has a big part to play in all of this. The Med sea’s winds blow through the city, keeping the air clean, compared to other Spanish cities. And the high number of green areas provide further purification. Valencia is also a pioneer within its certification of tourism carbon footprints, according to National Geographic.
A plethora of healthy and creative dishes
The Valencian lifestyle rolls at a slow pace, with an emphasis on leisure, and a fantastic work to life balance. Valencia’s cultural heritage, ranging from culture to L’horta, places healthy activities at the forefront of social outings and get-togethers. Being close to the sea, and our Huerta, give us large quantities of fresh, local produce. Local restaurateurs take advantage of this, making a plethora of healthy, and creative dishes. Not only does Valencia supply its citizens, restaurateurs and tourists with fresh produce, but we export our oranges internationally.
Every day Valencia receives fresh anchovies, sardines, cuttlefish and prawns, from local fishermen and women. All are staples of the local cuisine. These foods are rich in minerals, and omega 3, which contribute to the overall health of the Valencian diet.
The Albufera produces all of the rice Valencia needs for its star dish, La Paella Valenciana. Paella is a healthy, and internationally acclaimed dish. One Valencians tend to enjoy on Sundays, with friends and family. These deep family ties relate to the social aspects and way of life in the city. Social, mental, and physical health are all intrinsic aspects of the Valencian lifestyle.
Walking around the town centre, one can easily make friends, or meet people in the sun, enjoying a healthy tapa and a cold beer. And though alcohol is definitely prevalent in local culture, attitudes towards consumption are healthy. Most Valencianos don’t get regularly drunk, but enjoy a responsible drink at lunch, and dinner.
So get out, have a Valencian meal and a tinto de verano. Enjoy the sun. Go out for a bike ride in the river bed, walk alongside the coast, and leave your guilt at home. After all, you’re in Valencia, the healthiest city in the world.
